Criminal Lawyer Sydney | experienced representation when it matters most
Being charged with a criminal offence can leave you uncertain about what happens next. The decisions you make early in the process, including when to seek legal representation, can have a significant impact on the outcome.
Michelle Duncan has worked exclusively in Criminal and Traffic Law for more than 36 years, she started in law as a Police Prosecutor where she prosecuted thousands of NSW Police Prosecutions over the course of her 10 year prosecuting career.
In 2000 she left prosecuting and commenced practice as a Criminal Defence Lawyer and has worked solely in the area of Traffic and Criminal law ever since. Michelle worked for two legal firms as their Criminal and Traffic lawyer for about 6 years before becoming a partner in a highly regarded firm of Crawford and Duncan Lawyers for over 20 Years until recently moving to Duncan Criminal Law as the Principal/Director of the practice.
Throughout her career as a defence lawyer Michelle has appeared on behalf of thousands of accused persons in both the Local, District and Supreme Courts as well as the High Court of Australia. She has also appeared on behalf of clients in various commissions such as NCAT, ICAC and the Crime Commission.
From the moment a person is under investigation to bail applications, defended hearings, sentencing proceedings and appeals she provides practical advice, careful preparation and experienced courtroom advocacy tailored to the circumstances of each case.
Every criminal matter is different.
Michelle takes the time to understand the facts, identify the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution case, explain your legal options in plain language and develop a strategy designed to achieve the best possible outcome available under the law. Throughout the process, you can expect honest advice, responsive communication and dedicated representation from an experienced criminal lawyer who understands the NSW criminal justice system.
Experienced criminal defence - from investigation to acquittal or sentence
Whether you have been contacted by police, charged with a criminal or traffic offence or are preparing to appear before a court or tribunal, obtaining experienced legal representation as early as possible can make a significant and often fundamental difference. Michelle Duncan provides strategic advice and courtroom advocacy throughout every stage of the criminal justice process, ensuring you understand your options and what to expect.
We can assist with:
- Police investigations and legal advice before charges are laid
- Police interviews, including advice about your rights and obligations
- Bail applications, including complex show cause matters
- Negotiations with the prosecution, where appropriate
- Defended hearings in the Local Court
- Licence Appeals
- National Heavy Vehicle Regulatory matters
- Trial Proceedings In the District & Supreme Courts
- Sentence hearings and submissions in mitigation
- Appeals to higher courts where grounds exist
The earlier you obtain legal advice, the more opportunities there may be to assess the evidence, identify legal issues and develop a considered strategy before your matter progresses through the court system.
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Assault & Violence Charges
Assault and violence charges are treated seriously by NSW courts and can have lasting consequences for your future. Michelle Duncan represents clients facing a wide range of assault-related matters, including:
- Common Assault
- Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (AOABH)
- Reckless Wounding
- Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH)
- Affray and Violent Disorder
- Domestic Violence Offences
- Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs)
Every case is different. Michelle carefully examines the evidence, explains your legal options and develops a strategy tailored to the circumstances of your matter.
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Drug Offences
Drug charges can range from simple possession to allegations involving supply, cultivation or commercial drug offences. The seriousness of the charge and the circumstances of the case can significantly affect the potential outcome. Michelle Duncan represents clients facing matters involving:
- Possession of Prohibited Drugs
- Possession of Drug Implements
- Drug Supply and Deemed Supply
- Drug Cultivation, Manufacture and Importation
Every matter is carefully assessed to identify issues relating to the evidence, police procedures and the legal options available in your circumstances.
White Collar Crime: Fraud, theft and dishonesty offences
Allegations involving fraud, theft or other dishonesty offences can have serious consequences for your employment, professional reputation and future opportunities. Michelle Duncan represents clients charged with a broad range of dishonesty offences, including:
- Fraud and Deception Offences
- Centrelink and Social Security Fraud
- Credit Card and Identity Offences
- Larceny and Shoplifting
- Break and Enter
- Forgery and False Documents
Every matter is carefully reviewed to assess the prosecution evidence, identify legal issues and develop a strategy that reflects the circumstances of your case.
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Sexual Assault & Related Offences
Allegations involving sexual offences are among the most serious matters dealt with by the criminal justice system. They can have significant personal, professional and legal consequences, making experienced legal representation essential from the earliest opportunity.
Michelle Duncan represents clients facing matters involving:
- Sexual Assault
- Indecent Assault
- Child Exploitation Material Offences
- Grooming and Related Offences
Every matter is approached with discretion, careful preparation and a thorough assessment of the prosecution case, ensuring clients receive clear advice and experienced representation throughout the court process.
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Children's Court & Youth Offences
When a child or young person is charged with a criminal offence, early legal advice can play an important role in helping them navigate the justice system. Michelle Duncan provides experienced representation for young people appearing before the Children's Court, while supporting families through what can be a stressful and uncertain time.
Michelle can assist with matters involving:
- Police Cautions and Warnings
- Youth Justice Conferences and Diversion Programs
- Assault, Theft and Property Offences
- Drug Offences
- Other Criminal Charges heard in the Children's Court
Every matter is approached with the objective of helping young people move forward while ensuring they receive experienced legal representation throughout the court process.
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Indictable Criminal Offences
Serious indictable offences carry some of the most significant penalties under NSW criminal law and often involve complex legal and evidentiary issues. Michelle Duncan provides experienced representation in matters requiring thorough preparation, strategic advocacy and skilled courtroom representation.
Michelle represents clients facing charges including:
- Murder and Manslaughter
- Serious Drug Supply and Commercial Trafficking
- Armed Robbery
- Large-Scale Fraud and Financial Crime
- Conspiracy and Organised Crime Offences
Complex criminal matters often require careful analysis of extensive evidence, expert reports and forensic material. Michelle works closely with appropriately qualified experts where required to ensure every aspect of the prosecution case is thoroughly examined and clients receive experienced representation throughout the proceedings.
Bail applications and show cause matters
If you have been arrested, one of the first decisions will be whether you are granted bail or remain in custody. Bail decisions can have an immediate impact on your ability to return home, continue working and prepare your defence, making early legal representation essential.
Michelle Duncan provides experienced advice and representation in bail applications throughout New South Wales, including matters where the show cause provisions of the Bail Act 2013 (NSW) apply. She can assist whether you are seeking bail after an arrest or preparing for a bail hearing before the court.
Duncan Criminal Law can assist with:
- Advice following an arrest
- Police bail and bail conditions
- Bail applications in the Local and higher courts
- Show Cause applications
- Applications to vary bail conditions
Every bail matter is prepared on its own facts, with careful consideration of the applicable bail laws, the prosecution case and the information needed to present the strongest possible application to the court.
Why choose Duncan Criminal Law
Why choose Duncan Criminal Law
When you're facing criminal charges, choosing the right lawyer is an important decision.
Michelle Duncan combines more than 36 years of criminal law experience with practical advice, careful preparation and dedicated courtroom advocacy, providing clients with trusted representation throughout every stage of their matter.
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36+ Years of Criminal Law Experience
Representing clients in criminal matters across New South Wales for more than three decades.
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Experienced Courtroom Advocacy
Appearing in Local, District and Supreme Courts throughout NSW.
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Clear, Honest Legal Advice
Straightforward guidance to help you understand your options and make informed decisions.
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Personal Representation
Your matter is handled directly by Michelle Duncan, with responsive communication and dedicated support from start to finish.
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Professional Recognition for Legal Excellence
Recognised in the Doyle's Guide as one of the profession's respected criminal lawyers.
Criminal law representation across New South Wales
Criminal Lawyer Sydney based office. Michelle Duncan represents clients in criminal law matters in courts throughout New South Wales. Whether your case is before a metropolitan, regional or rural court, you will receive experienced legal representation, practical advice and direct communication from an experienced criminal lawyer.
Michelle regularly appears in the Local Court, District Court and Supreme Court of New South Wales, providing strategic advocacy across a wide range of criminal matters. With more than 37 years of experience, she understands the importance of careful preparation, realistic advice and responsive representation at every stage of the legal process.
Michelle Duncan conducts confidential consultations that can be arranged by telephone or secure video conference, allowing you to obtain experienced legal advice wherever you are in New South Wales.